Oscar vows to tweet the ‘truth’

Johannesburg - Oscar Pistorius’s family and spokespersons have taken to Twitter to give “the truth and expose those with ulterior motives” ahead of his trial.

A new account called @OscarHardTruth was launch on Sunday, with Pistorius taking to his own account to encourage his followers.

“For the truths behind the Trial, Follow @OscarHardTruth. They will uncover the truth, the trial and those involved. #oscarhardtruth,” tweeted his official account.

The account also tweeted: “As the trial approaches, many untruths, half-truths and versions of the truth have (been) and shall be spread across the world.” Another read: “We will address the truth and expose those with ulterior motives. The Truth will Prevail.”

Pistorius’s spokeswoman, Anneliese Burgess, said the account spoke for itself. “It’s essentially a platform for giving information,” she said. “Its intention is to provide factual information that will relate to potential statements or briefings. It will link to certain media reports and it will provide clarity when necessary. It is an information platform.”

She said she and a number of Pistorius’s relatives would run the acount. “It’s not a PR vehicle,” she added.

The account’s purpose was not to comment on the case. “The court case must run its course and we have been very clear about that,” she said.

She could not comment on whether the legal team supported the decision to launch the account. Pistorius’s attorney, Brian Webber, didn’t respond to requests for comment.

On Monday afternoon, the account already had more than 10 000 followers. The account is linked to Pistorius’s official website, oscarpistorius.com.

Among the tweets on Monday were a few stories on how the prosecution may have suffered a setback when it was revealed that Pistorius might not have been on his prostheses at the time of the shooting.

A number of people tweeted on the new account. Sibongile Mafu (@sboshmafu) said: “Why does the @OscarHardTruth account exist though? Can the truth not come out in a court of law?”

But Pistorius’s supporters also made their views heard. Hammerhead (@callmesharkee) tweeted: [email protected] @OscarHardTruth I already followed and I support you 100% all the way! Stay strong Oscar, bless you and your family xx.”